Gore Park is less than three-quarters of a hectare in size — really a doormat in comparison to its eastern cousin Gage Park that has 28.8 hectares.

But if you’re looking for interesting history or controversy — or want a looking glass from which to understand the city — The Gore is like nowhere else.

It has hosted royal visits, military parades, Remembrance Day ceremonies, concerts, protest marches and political rallies. And today, as the park is about to begin a second phase of a multi-year makeover, we take a look at Hamilton’s iconic work-in-progress.